3. The Ways and Means Committee unanimously approves a bill (H.R. 3046) aimed at curbing identity theft by limiting the sale and display of Social Security numbers. The measure, approved 41-0, would prohibit businesses from selling or purchasing Social Security numbers, except in limited cases, including for tax purposes and ensuring the accuracy of credit and insurance underwriting information.

All three welcome moves by the House. Tax patents; the IRS handing out people's tax information to private collection agencies; people selling your Social for $75 -- it's all insanity, and it should have done away with long ago. As the kids at BlueOregon say, elections matter.

Road Work

Miles run year to date: 155
At this date last year: 241
Total run in 2015: 271
In 2014: 401
In 2013: 257
In 2012: 129
In 2011: 113
In 2010: 125
In 2009: 67
In 2008: 28
In 2007: 113
In 2006: 100
In 2005: 149
In 2004: 204
In 2003: 269